About CI
Official Name
The official name of the Ivory Coast is the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire (République de Côte d'Ivoire in French).
Location
Ivory Coast is a country located in West Africa, bordered by Liberia and Guinea to the west, Mali and Burkina Faso to the north, Ghana to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south.
Capital
The political capital of Ivory Coast is Yamoussoukro, while the economic and administrative capital is Abidjan, the largest city in the country.
Population
Ivory Coast has a population of approximately 26 million people, making it one of the most populous countries in West Africa.
Languages
The official language of Ivory Coast is French, reflecting its colonial heritage. However, there are over 60 indigenous languages spoken by various ethnic groups, including Dioula, Baoulé, and Anyin.
Religion
The majority of the population in Ivory Coast adheres to Islam, Christianity, or indigenous African religions. Religious freedom is protected by the Constitution.
Geography
Ivory Coast has diverse geographical features, including coastal plains along the Gulf of Guinea, dense forests in the south, and savanna and plateaus in the north. The country is also known for its rivers, including the Bandama and the Cavally.
Economy
Ivory Coast has one of the largest and most diversified economies in West Africa, with agriculture being the mainstay of the economy. It is one of the world's largest producers of cocoa, and other important exports include coffee, palm oil, and rubber. The country also has significant mining and manufacturing sectors.
Currency
The currency of the Ivory Coast is the West African CFA franc (XOF).
Politics
Ivory Coast is a republic with a presidential system of government. The President of Ivory Coast serves as both the head of state and the head of government. The country has a multi-party political system, and elections are held regularly.
National Items of Ivory Coast
Elephant
The elephant is a significant national symbol of Ivory Coast, featured prominently on the country's coat of arms. It represents strength, power, and the rich wildlife heritage of the nation.
Cocoa
Ivory Coast is one of the world's leading producers of cocoa. Cocoa symbolizes the agricultural heritage, economic importance, and global trade connections of the country.
Baoulé Masks
Baoulé masks are traditional African masks used in ceremonies by the Baoulé people. They symbolize the rich cultural heritage, artistry, and spiritual beliefs of the Ivorian people.
Yamoussoukro Basilica
The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro is one of the largest churches in the world. It symbolizes religious significance, an architectural marvel, and the cultural heritage of the Ivory Coast.
Attiéké
Attiéké is a traditional Ivorian dish made from fermented cassava. It symbolizes the rich culinary heritage and the importance of traditional foods in Ivorian culture.
Senufo Stools
Senufo stools are traditional carved wooden stools used by the Senufo people. They symbolize craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and traditional art forms.
Ivory Coast Traditional Dress
Traditional dress in Ivory Coast, including the "pagne" for women and "boubou" for men, symbolizes cultural heritage, identity, and traditional fashion.
Ivory Coast Griots
Griots are traditional storytellers and musicians in Ivory Coast. They symbolize the rich oral tradition, cultural heritage, and historical preservation.
Palm Wine
Palm wine, a traditional beverage made from the sap of palm trees, symbolizes cultural heritage, traditional practices, and social traditions.
Felix Houphouët-Boigny
Felix Houphouët-Boigny, the first President of Ivory Coast, symbolizes leadership, independence, and the country's political history.
Ivorian Drums
Traditional Ivorian drums, such as the Djembé, symbolize the rich musical heritage, cultural expression, and social traditions of the country.
Banco National Park
Banco National Park is a significant natural reserve in Ivory Coast. It symbolizes the country's commitment to conservation, biodiversity, and natural beauty.
Ivorian Coffee
Ivory Coast is a major producer of coffee. Ivorian coffee symbolizes the agricultural heritage, economic importance, and global trade connections.
Comoe National Park
Comoe National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, symbolizes the natural beauty, ecological diversity, and conservation efforts in Ivory Coast.
Félou
Félou, a traditional textile, symbolizes the rich artisanal heritage, cultural identity, and craftsmanship of the Ivorian people.
Ivory Coast Festivals
Traditional festivals, such as the Abissa Festival, symbolize cultural heritage, artistic expression, and social traditions.
Ebrié Lagoon
The Ebrié Lagoon, located near Abidjan, symbolizes natural beauty, ecological significance, and the lifeblood of the country's coastal regions.
The national anthem of Ivory Coast is called "L'Abidjanaise" in French. Here are the lyrics in French and their English translation:
I
Ô Terre d'espérance, ô Terre de nos aïeux,
Va, debout et jalouse de ta liberté.
Comme un souffle purificateur de l'air,
Conduis-nous vers la terre de la vraie liberté.
Heureux celui qui bâtit ton avenir,
Dans la justice, la foi, la vaillance,
Il est un jour prochain qui montre à ton désir
Le chemin du bonheur et de la vraie maintenance.
Chorus:
Fiers Ivoiriens, le pays nous appelle.
Si nous avons dans la paix, ramené la liberté,
Notre devoir sera d'être un modèle
De l'espérance promise à l'humanité,
En forgeant, unie dans la foi nouvelle,
La patrie de la vraie fraternité.
II
Fiers Ivoiriens, la Côte d'Ivoire s'est levée;
Fiers Ivoiriens, le voilà ton bonheur,
Ton angoisse, ton combat sont terminés,
Et notre hymne a jailli, et il est dans notre cœur.
Chorus:
Fiers Ivoiriens, le pays nous appelle.
Si nous avons dans la paix, ramené la liberté,
Notre devoir sera d'être un modèle
De l'espérance promise à l'humanité,
En forgeant, unie dans la foi nouvelle,
La patrie de la vraie fraternité.
I
O Land of hope, O Land of our ancestors,
Go, stand up, and be jealous of your freedom.
Like a purifying breath of air,
Lead us to the land of true freedom.
Blessed is he who builds your future,
In justice, faith, and valor,
There is a coming day that shows your desire
The path to happiness and true maintenance.
Chorus:
Proud Ivorians, the country calls us.
If we have brought back freedom in peace,
Our duty will be to be a model
Of the hope promised to humanity,
By forging, united in the new faith,
The homeland of true brotherhood.
II
Proud Ivorians, Ivory Coast has risen;
Proud Ivorians, there is your happiness,
Your anguish, your fight is over,
And our anthem has sprung, and it is in our hearts.
Chorus:
Proud Ivorians, the country calls us.
If we have brought back freedom in peace,
Our duty will be to be a model
Of the hope promised to humanity,
By forging, united in the new faith,
The homeland of true brotherhood.
